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Drab reigns in the winter’s pale…

As most of you know, we have been having quite the chilly, snowy winter in the Northeast and March came in like a white lion. I am not complaining, I am fortunate that I can “work” at home. Right now I am off contract and keeping busy with writing, reading, hiking, art, auditions, and classes, nothing where I have to be at work at 8am every day. So when it snows, I can stay home and bake, or sing and play ukulele. I am fortunate. But I miss hiking so I recently pulled out the yaktrax that I got for Christmas and hit the trails. Yes, it’s cold, and yes, it’s worth it. I even found a message written in the snow just for me….There are still a few deciduous trees with brown leaves and I wonder why the leaves still cling to branches, frozen in place perhaps, like my own life at times? When in doubt, hang on…The Burbank Trail is not one of my favorites but it is easily accessible, only about 5 minutes out of Lenox. It meanders up to some pretty overlooks and along a creek, which is frozen now. I was nervous after reading the warning signs at the beginning of the path,“HUNTING IS PERMITTED…HUNTERS BE ALERT FOR ALL OTHER USERS OF THE PROPERTY…”I was not wearing bright clothing. As I set out I had dire thoughts of being pierced by some hunters arrow and was as skittish as a deer, shying at every sound and at a few of the people I met unexpectedly. Once a low hanging branch caught on my hood from behind and I squealed and jumped a foot and then laughed out loud at my ridiculous fears. From then on I decided to brave the hunters boldly and make my crunchy way forward come what may. Last year when I did this walk I fell at least 3 times, but I am happy to report that this time, with my amazing yaktrax, I stayed on my feet the whole way. My focus turns to interesting bark, trunk growths and tree patterns this time of year since the winter colors are drab and less enticing to my eyes and camera lens. I saw interesting moss patterns and a big knot that looked like an eye, that I might otherwise miss in the verdant spring or distracting fall.

The frozen Berkshires…

But I must admit, it is not as lovely to me and I am happier hiking when it is warmer and I don’t have to take my glove off every time I want to snap a picture. I miss the bird song and color. I await and sing with Autolycus in TheWinter’s Tale…

When daffodils begin to peer, With heigh, the doxy over the dale, Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year;For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale.

I am ready for the “sweet o’ the year” and hope the sun is shining and nudging it’s way toward spring in your part of the world.